transition words for body paragraphs in an essay

Paragraph Transitions Paragraphs represent the basic unit of composition: one idea, one paragraph. However, to present a clear, unified train of thought to your readers, you must make sure each paragraph follows the one before it and leads to the one after it through clear, logical transitions. Keep in mind that adequate transitions cannot simply be added to the essay without planning.  Without a good reason for the sequence of your paragraphs, no transition will help you.  Transitions can be made with particular words and phrases created for that purpose--conjunctive adverbs and transitional phrases--or they can be implied through a conceptual link. Conjunctive Adverbs and Transitional Phrases Conjunctive adverbs modify entire sentences in order to relate them to preceding sentences or paragraphs; good academic writers use many of them, but not so many that they overload the page. Here is a list of some of them, courtesy of The Brief Holt Handbook:   accordingly  also anyway besides certainly consequently finally furthermore hence however incidentally  indeed instead likewise meanwhile moreover nevertheless next  nonetheless now otherwise similarly still then thereafter therefore thus undoubtedly  Transitional phrases can perform the same function:   in addition in contrast for example for instance of course as a result  in other words as a result Use them wisely and sparingly, and never use one without knowing its precise meaning. Implied or Conceptual Transitions Not every paragraph transition requires a conjunctive adverb or transitional phrase; often, your logic will appear through a word or concept common to the last sentence of the preceding paragraph and the topic sentence of the following paragraph. For example, the end of a paragraph by Bruce Catton uses a demonstrative adjective, these, to modify the subject of the topic sentence so that it will refer to a.
transitions are phrases or words used to connect one idea to the next transitions are used by the author to help the reader progress from one significant idea to the next transitions also show the relationship within a paragraph (or within a sentence) between the main idea and the support the author gives for those ideas different transitions do different things.
What this handout is about In this crazy, mixed-up world of ours, transitions glue our ideas and our essays together. This handout will introduce you to some useful transitional expressions and help you employ them effectively. The function and importance of transitions In both academic writing and professional writing, your goal is to convey information clearly and concisely, if not to convert the reader to your way of thinking. Transitions help you to achieve these goals by establishing logical connections between sentences, paragraphs, and sections of your papers. In other words, transitions tell readers what to do with the information you present to them. Whether single words, quick phrases, or full sentences, they function as signs that tell readers how to think about, organize, and react to old and new ideas as they read through what you have written. Transitions signal relationships between ideas—relationships such as: “Another example coming up—stay alert!” or “Here’s an exception to my previous statement” or “Although this idea appears to be true, here’s the real story.” Basically, transitions provide the reader with directions for how to piece together your ideas into a logically coherent argument. Transitions are not just verbal decorations that embellish your paper by making it sound or read better. They are words with particular meanings that tell the reader to think and react in a particular way to your ideas. In providing the reader with these important cues, transitions help readers understand the logic of how your ideas fit together. Signs that you might need to work on your transitions How can you tell whether you need to work on your transitions? Here are some possible clues: Your instructor has written comments like “choppy,” “jumpy,” “abrupt,” “flow,” “need signposts,” or “how is this related?” on your papers. Your readers (instructors, friends.
To improve your writing you need to make sure that your ideas, both in sentences and paragraphs, stick together or have coherence and that the gap between ideas is bridged smoothly. One way to do this is by using transitions - words or phrases or techniques that help bring two ideas together. Transitional words and phrases represent one way of gaining coherence. Certain words help continue an idea, indicate a shift of though or contrast, or sum up a conclusion. Check the following list of words to find those that will pull your sentences and paragraphs together. For continuing a common line of reasoning: consequently clearly, then furthermore additionally and in addition moreover because besides that in the same way following this further also pursuing this further in the light of the. it is easy to see that To change the line of reasoning (contrast): however on the other hand but yet nevertheless on the contrary For opening a paragraph initially or for general use: admittedly assuredly certainly granted no doubt nobody denies obviously of course to be sure true undoubtedly unquestionably generally speaking in general at this level in this situation For the final points of a paragraph or essay: finally lastly Transitional chains, to use in separating sections of a paragraph which is arranged chronologically: first. second. third. generally. furthermore. finally in the first place. also. lastly in the first place. pursuing this further. finally to be sure. additionally. lastly in the first place. just in the same way. finally basically. similarly. as well To signal conclusion: therefore this hence in final analysis in conclusion in final consideration indeed To restate a point within a paragraph in another way or in a more exacting way: in other words point in fact specifically Sequence or time after afterwards as soon as at first at last before before long finally.
Using transitional words and phraseshelps papers read more smoothly, and at the same time allows the reader to flow more smoothly from one point to the next. Transitions enhance logical organization and understandabilityand improve the connections between thoughts. They indicate relations,whether within a sentence, paragraph, or paper. This list illustrates categories of relationships between ideas,followed by words and phrases that can make the connections: Addition: also, again, as well as, besides, coupled with, furthermore, in addition, likewise, moreover, similarly When there is a trusting relationship coupled with positive reinforcement, the partners will be able to overcome difficult situations. Consequence:accordingly, as a result, consequently, for this reason, for this purpose, hence, otherwise, so then, subsequently, therefore, thus, thereupon, wherefore Highway traffic came to a stop as a result of an accident that morning. Contrast and Comparison:contrast, by the same token, conversely, instead, likewise,on one hand, on the other hand, on the contrary, rather,similarly, yet, but, however, still, nevertheless, in contrast The children were very happy. On the other hand, and perhaps more importantly, their parents were very proactive in providing good care. Direction:here, there, over there, beyond, nearly, opposite, under, above,to the left, to the right, in the distance She scanned the horizon for any sign though in the distance she could not see the surprise coming her way. Diversion:by the way, incidentally He stumbled upon the nesting pair incidentally found only on this hill. Emphasis above all, chiefly, with attention to, especially, particularly, singularly The Quakers gathered each month with attention to deciding the business of their Meeting. Exception: aside from, barring, beside, except, excepting, excluding, exclusive of, other than, outside.